Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology

At the completion of the degree, students are expected to have:

• recognise the interdisciplinary nature of gerontology for understanding ageing and informing policy and practice that supports living well in later life;
• describe and discuss key concepts in gerontology (eg life course perspective, ageism, personhood, ageing in place, quality of life) and their implications for professional practice;
• differentiate between the different dimensions of ageing and discuss the significance to clinical practice, the social context of ageing and psychological wellbeing in later life;
• illustrate an understanding of cultural responsiveness as fundamental to approaching research, advocacy, support and care of older people;
• identify and critically analyse contemporary debates in the research literature in relation to ageing and aged care; from a local, national and global perspective;
• demonstrate the capacity to take an evidence-based approach to policy, practice and service development to support older people to maximise quality of life;
• apply academic rigour in researching and developing a project proposal;
• identify ethical concerns in relation to investigating issues in relation to ageing and older people;
• demonstrate capacity for reflective practice to facilitate personal and professional continuous learning and contributing to the learning environment of the workplace.

This articulated, multidisciplinary program in applied gerontology was developed to address the professional needs of graduates involved with policy, planning, and research or service delivery for older people, as well as those who are interested in understanding the issues surrounding the ageing process.

These courses feature seven key perspectives throughout each topic:

• healthy, positive ageing
• life-course framework for understanding ageing
• multidisciplinary approach
• multicultural awareness and a global viewpoint
• lifelong learning and e-learning for improving professional practice
• research, evaluation and evidence-based planning and service delivery
• ethical decision making.

The courses provide:

•  leading edge content for students across the world
• an interdisciplinary team approach, appreciating diverse professional perspectives
• relevance to your immediate and potential future professional needs
• enjoyable, successful learning through well-structured topics
• a flexible delivery mode enabling students to undertake study by distance and part time, to match your hectic work and life schedules.

It is 1 year in length on a full-time basis and can also be undertaken part-time.

Recommended study pattern

Students complete three core (compulsory) topics and five option topics selected from a range of option topics available. These topics aim to provide students with understanding of applied gerontology concepts e.g. healthy ageing, life-course, multidisciplinary practice, ageist stereotyping and their implications for professional practice as well as provide the opportunity to undertake an effective literature review and critical appraisal of gerontological research.

This graduate diploma articulates with the Master of Applied Gerontology.

Award requirements

To complete the requirements of the Graduate Diploma in Applied Gerontology, students must successfully complete three core (compulsory) subjects and five elective subjects chosen from a range of electives.

Exit points

Alternatively, students who enrol directly in the Graduate Diploma may choose subsequently only to meet the requirements for the Graduate Certificate and exit with that qualification.

Open Universities Australia is a not-for-profit organisation. You will not pay any fees for using our services.

Indicative total fee $23,000

The amount shown here is indicative for an Australian citizen studying full-time, which is typically 8 subjects per year.

Fees may vary depending on:

• the subjects you choose
• credit from previous work experience
• your eligibility for government funding loans or subsidies such as HECS-HELP or a Commonwealth supported place.

To learn more, go to Fees or contact a student advisor.

Flinders University is a globally-focused, locally-engaged institution with a reputation for excellence in teaching, learning and research. They offer world‐class education that develops the critical and creative thinking skills to support a student’s success. Their courses offered through Open Universities Australia span business, education and law. They are designed with flexibility in mind, while delivering the advanced qualifications to take careers to the next step.

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QS World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

21

Times Higher Education World University Ranking 2025, within Australia:

20

Applicants must normally hold a bachelor degree or equivalent qualification in a health-related field; or hold the Graduate Certificate in Applied Gerontology from Flinders University or equivalent qualification.

Flinders University conducts an English Language proficiency check on applications submitted for consideration to its courses. 
This will be met in a number of ways, including if the applicants: 

• first language is English (i.e. citizenship is held for a country where English is the official language)
• completed secondary schooling in Australia
• completed prior study in English (e.g. a Certificate IV or higher from a recognised Australian training institution)
• completed one semester of full-time equivalent tertiary study at a higher education institution 
• completed a recognised Foundation Studies or bridging program 
• performance in the Special Tertiary Admissions Test  (STAT) meets the University's admissions requirements 
• registered with an Australian professional registration body relevant to the applicant's proposed course (e.g. applicant holds current registration as a Registered Nurse, General Practitioner, Teacher, Physiotherapist, Occupational Therapist, Social Worker and such in Australia)
• achieved a score within an international English language proficiency test such as IELTS, PTE, TOEFL or Cambridge CAE that meets the minimum proficiency for the university
• completed an approved English language course from a registered English Language Intensive Course for Overseas Students (ELICOS) Provider

In some instances, applicants may be asked to provide evidence they meet the requirements if the information required is not available in their application. 

Credit transfer may be granted, on application, for prior study completed in a relevant honours, graduate certificate, graduate diploma or master degree; accredited professional development; or relevant work experience.

Applications for credit transfer are assessed on a case by case basis according to Flinders University policies. Students must be made an offer for entry into a degree before lodging their completed credit transfer application, along with all necessary documentation for formal assessment. More information is available at www.flinders.edu.au/credit

Some option topics may require students to attend intensive workshops on-campus